Category: Arthritis / Bone / Joint Health

How Can Ayurveda Help You In Healing Fractures Faster?

ABSTRACT

Fracture of bone is a condition in which a patient experiences unbearable pain  and if not cured in the right way can cause major trouble to the patient and can lead to lifetime abnormalities. As our skeleton protects the internal organs and is tough and flexible. It also supports the weight of our body. Hence bones that construct our skeleton provide great stability. Bone fracture is a medical condition in which the constituents of the skeleton i.e bones gets damaged due to external force or by some underlying pathological conditions like osteoporosis, osteopenia, osteomyelitis etc are more prone to fractures. Both Ayurveda and Modern Science explains ample importance of proper healing of a fractured bone in their own ways.

INTRODUCTION

Any break in the continuity of a bone or cartilage, which may be partial or complete can be termed as a fracture. The commonest sites of fracture include wrist, ankle and hip.There are certain reasons that cause fracture which includes trauma like fall from height, road traffic accidents etc. Fractures can also be caused by a few diseases that weaken one’s bone like osteoporosis, osteopenia and a few other conditions that make them prone to fractures.

Fracture

CAUSES

Fractures can be caused by trauma like fall from height, road traffic accidents direct blow or by repetitive forces such as those caused by running or practising a certain sport that causes stress fracture.

SIGN AND SYMPTOMS

The sign and symptoms differ according to the type of fracture if it’s a closed or an opened one.

  1. Swelling
  2. Tenderness
  3. Pain
  4. Deformity of site
  5. Bruising
  6. Redness
  7. Crepitus
  8. Loss of function

TYPES OF FRACTURE

Based upon the type of break

  1. Complete Fracture
  2. Incomplete Fracture

Based on relationship with outside climate

  1. Open Fracture
  2. Closed Fracture

Based on the Pattern

  1. Transverse
  2. Spiral
  3. Compound
  4. Longitudinal

Specific type of fractures –

  1. Greenstick
  2. Comminuted
  3. Impacted

DIAGNOSIS

IMAGING TESTS

  1.  Physical examination
  2. X Ray – For finding out the exact location and extent of fracture.
  3. CT Scan/ MRI – It helps to visualise fracture, bleeding and soft tissue damage.

LAB TESTS

  1. CBC (Complete Blood Count)- To find out if hematocrit is increased or decreased.
  2. Coagulation profile – It alters due to blood loss and hence should be checked.

MANAGEMENT

Management of fracture includes

  1. Emergency Care– It includes -rest of the site by splinting, next is ice therapy followed by compression and elevation to reduce swelling.
  2. Definitive care-
  3. Reduction – It can be done:

(a) Closed reduction- its initial and standard method of reduction.it can be done under conscious sedation.
(b) Open reduction – it’s done if the closed reduction fails to reach the need, its done surgically.

  1. Immobilisation
  2. Traction
  3. Splinting
  4. Rehabilitation – It consists of joint mobilisation, gait training etc. it’s done to prevent stiffness.

COMPLICATIONS

Early complications

  1. Shock
  2. Fat embolism
  3. Deep vein thrombosis
  4. Infections

Late complications

  1. Delayed union (slower production of new tissue)
  2. Non-union(body’s inability to heal fracture)
  3. Mal union(occurs when fractured bone heals in an abnormal position)

AYURVEDIC ASPECT OF FRACTURE (ASTHI-BHAGNA)

In Ayurveda, fracture can be correlated with bhagna. When the continuity of asthi(bone) is broken partially or completely can be termed as asthibhanga or asthibhagna. According to ayurvedic Scriptures Bhagn includes both asthibhagna (fracture) and sandhibhagna (Dislocation) under bhagna.

NIDANA (CAUSES)

According to Ayurveda and in modern Science there are no such differentiations about the cause or nidana of bhagna. It is same as mentioned above like-

  1.         External trauma
  2.         Intrauterine fracture
  3.         Indirect trauma
  4.         Pathological reasons- in patients of tuberculosis.

BHEDA (TYPES OF BHAGNA)

Acharya Sushruta explains two types of bhagna, there are

  1. Savrana bhagna (Open fracture)
  2. Avrana bhagna (Closed fracture)

Another type is

  1. Apurna bhagna (Incomplete fracture)
  2. Purna bhagna (Complete fracture)

1. APURNA BHAGNA

As the name itself says that in this type of bhagna the asthi i.e bone doesn’t separate into fragments. It can be correlated to incomplete fracture in modern.

Apurna bhagn is further divided into

  1.  Picchit (depressed) bhagna- Bone fragment is displaced from its anatomical position as seen in injury of head.
  2. Vakra (Green stick) bhagna- as explained above in the modern aspect its commonly seen in children.
  3. Sphutit (fissured) bhagna- there are cracks in bone but the fragments aren’t displaced.
  4. Chinna bhagna

2. PURNA BHAGNA

In this type of bhagna, the bone fragments are completely separated from each other. This type is further divided into-

  1.  Apatit (transverse)
  2.  Kanda (oblique)
  3.  Ashwakarna (spiral)
  4.  Majjanugata (Impacted)
  5.  Patit (comminuted)
  6.  Karkatak (Multiple)

All the above-mentioned types are the same as mentioned in the modern aspect.

LAKSHANA OF BHAGNA

LOCAL

  1. Deformity
  2. Abnormal mobility
  3. Loss of function
  4. Discoloration & tenderness

GENERAL

  1.  Shock
  2. Aseptic traumatic fever

UPDRAVA (COMPLICATIONS OF BHAGNA)

Acharya Sushruta mentioned that complications of bone injury could be local or systemic. Local complications like mal union or non union. Even tight bandaging can lead to swelling , pain or even  avascularization that can lead to gangrene. Systemic complications can be fever, abdominal distention and a few others.

SADHYASADHYATA (PROGNOSIS)

  • Acharya Sushruta described the prognosis of fracture into three categories which are Sukh sadhya (easily curable), kasht sadhya(cured with difficulty) and asadhya (incurable)
  • Sukhsadhya- Acharya Sushrut explained that patients fractured during balyakala (childhood) or with a minor crack or a hairline fracture can be managed without difficulty.
  • Acharya Sushruta also mentioned about the importance of ritu for healing a fractured bone, he said fractured bone heals better in shishir ritu.
  • Kashtsadhya – Healing can be difficult if the type of fracture is of comminuted (churnit), incomplete (chinna), impacted (majjanugata).
  • Asadhya – Churnit (comminuted) bhagn of frontal or iliac bone, complete fracture or dislocation of pelvic bone also fracture of temporal bone, septum or vertebral column can be asadhya.
  • Acharya Sushruta also explained the importance of post treatment care of the bone and said that even after proper treatment the fractured bone may not unite in the right way as it should if displaced improperly during immobilisation period or even by improper bandaging. All these factors can lead to failure of treatment.

AYURVEDIC LINE OF TREATMENT

The ancient Ayurvedic texts describes chikitsa of asthi bhagna and categorised it into general management, specific management according to the type & site of fracture and described about the Pathya & apathya (do’s and don’ts) as according to Ayurveda the Pathya & apathya plays a major role in healing. General chikitsa of bhagn includes Anchan(traction), Pidana (manipulation by local pressure), Sanshipt (stabilise) and Bandhana(immobilisation). All these four principles of management of fracture explained by Sushruta are adopted today by the Modern Sciences too.

  • Kushabandhana or splint explained by Acharya Sushruta has a soft sheath- like surface that  provides support to the fractured bone.
  • Alepa or paste of lal chandana or Shata dahuta Ghrita (100 times washed ghee) can be used.
  • Timing of bandhana or bandaging plays a crucial role, in saumya ritu(winters) bandaging should last for 7 days, in normal temperature for 5 days and during agneya ritu (summers) for 3 days.

MANAGEMENT OF SPECIFIC TYPE OF FRACTURE

Ayurveda has a vast explanation of treatment of different types of fracture depending upon its site, here are a few common sites and treatment of fractures.

  1. In fracture of tibia , fibula or femur traction should be applied carefully along the direction of bone after a gentle massage by using Ghrita (Ghee). A fractured arm should also be treated the same way.
  2. In case of dislocation of the shoulder joint, the axilla should be raised and bandaged the part by swastika bandha(figure of eight) should be done.

HERBAL REMEDIES BY PLANET AYURVEDA FOR EARLY HEALING OF FRACTURES

Planet Ayurveda is a GMP-certified company offering products worldwide that shows extreme results. All the products are prepared by following the ancient Ayurvedic texts and using natural ingredients under the guidance of MD Ayurveda experts.The main goal of the company is to eliminate the source of any disease and provide a healthy life to mankind. All the products are completely safe and devoid of any kind of adverse effects.

Herbal Supplements for Fractures

Herbal Supplements for Fractures

  1. Lakshadi Guggul
  2. Cissus Power Capsule
  3. Ashwagandhadi Ghrit
  4. Bone support Capsules
  5. Dashmoola Capsules

1. LAKSHADI GUGGUL

Lakshadi Guggul from Planet Ayurveda is a combination of herbs that helps to pacify the vata dosha from the body which ultimately increases the level of asthi. This will help in improving bone health and hence the fracture will heal in a better way. It contains  Laksha (Laccifer lacca), Asthisamharaka (cissus quadrangularis), Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna) and various other herbal drugs combined in the form of tablets.

Dosage– 1-2 tablets twice or thrice daily with lukewarm water.

2.  BONE SUPPORT CAPSULES

Bone Support capsules by Planet Ayurveda helps in regaining natural bone mineral density of bones which ultimately helps in better healing of the fractured bone. It’s a great blend of- Shudh Laksha (Laccifer lacca) , Suhanjana Beej (Moringa oleifera)- which is rich in calcium and helps in bone strengthening , Praval pishti (Corallium rubrum) which too is rich in calcium, Mukta (Compound of pearl calcium)etc. As the name signifies itself, it provides better support and is also known to increase the bone mineral density if taken properly.

Dosage –1 capsule twice a day

3.  ASHWAGANDHADI GHRIT

Ashwagandha Ghrita by Planet Ayurveda supports muscle mass, relieves stress, and improves energy, strength, and vitality that excellently helps the bones too. It also helps in reducing fatigue especially caused by pain due to fractures. Its components are- Ashwagandga (Withania somnifera), Vibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica), Go Ghrita (cow’s Ghee), Go Dugdha(Cow’s milk) which acts as vata dosha pacifiers.

Dosage– 3-6 gms mixed with mishri.

4.  CISSUS POWER CAPSULE

Cissus power capsules from Planet Ayurveda are formed of dried Hadjod (Cissus quadrangularis).  Hadjod which helps in the building and functioning of bones is a major constituent of Cissus Power Capsule.Thus helpful in healing fractures.

Dosage– 1-2 capsules twice a day with water.

5.  DASHMOOLA CAPSULE

Dashmool means the roots of 10 herbs, so here special roots of 10 different plants are combined to prepare the capsules. It contains herbs such as Bilwa (Aegle marmelos), Shyonak (Oroxylum indicum), Agnimantha (Clerodendrum phlomidis), Gambhari (Gmelina arborea), Kantakari (Solanum surattense), Brihati (Solanum indicum), Prishnaparni (Uraria picta), Shaalparni (Desmodium gangeticum) and various other drugsare being used.This capsule is very effective in calming the vata dosha, thus reduces pain. Bilwa is used in fractures for wound healing. Shyonak is used as a antispetic. Patla is used for its anti-inflammatory properties. Agnimantha is useful in cases of swelling and inflammation. Gambhari is useful for reducing pain and Shaalparni has an antipyretic property.

Dosage– 1-2 capsules twice daily with plain water after meals.

CONCLUSION

We can conclude that the description of fractures and its management explained by Acharya Sushruta and modern medical Science are a lot similar from each other. Basically the concept and principle of approach remains the same from ancient to till date, like ‘Bandha’ by Acharya Sushruta is explained by ‘Bandaging’ in Modern Sciences, Savrana- Avrana as open-closed fracture and many more. Ayurveda has given ample importance to Asthi Sharira also explained it pathya-apathya (do’s & don’ts) of bhagna. Such immense knowledge clearly states the understanding and far sightedness of our Acharyas as their principles and managements are still applicable in today’s era with tremendous efficacy.

Osteogenesis Imperfecta – Causes, Symptoms and Ayurveda Aspect

ABSTRACT

The osteogenesis imperfecta is also known as Brittle bone disease. It is a genetic disorder that breaks the bones easily. With the help of amniocentesis, osteogenesis imperfecta can be determined before birth. It is a lifelong condition as a child born with soft bones that break easily and lead to fractures of the bone. It has 8 types and signs and symptoms seen according to the severity of the disease. It is genetic as inherited from parents, due to deformity in one or two genes as genes help in forming the collagen. As collagen is present in connective tissue and connects or supports the whole body.

INTRODUCTION

It presents at birth the bones will become very soft and break easily. Signs and symptoms will vary according to the severity of the disease. As it is a genetic disorder it passes through genes so it may be inherited from the mother or father. On the basis of signs and symptoms and inheritance osteogenesis imperfecta has 8 types. Type 1 is the mildest and most common form as it has minor deformities and half of patients have the type 1 form. Type 2 is a severe form as children die within a week of birth due to a soft skull, short arms, and legs, a small chest, low birth weight, lungs not fully developed, and born with fractured bones. Type 3 is the most severe type as the baby does not die and remains alive as a result at the time of birth the baby has shorter arms and legs than the normal child and a large head with triangle shaped face, deformity in the spine, and chest, and difficulty in breathing and swallowing. Type 4 is diagnosed at the time of birth as the symptoms are from mild to severe, the arms and legs of the baby are not straight, and not grow normally. Type 5 symptoms are medium to severe as they occur in enlarged thickened areas where large bones are fractured. Type 6 is very rare and symptoms are medium and similar to type 4. Type 7s have shorter arms, thighbones, and height than the normal ones. Type 8 has very soft bones and severe growth problems.

CAUSES

The causes of osteogenesis imperfecta are-

  1. Genetic
  2. Abnormality in collagen

SYMPTOMS

The osteogenesis imperfecta shows the following symptoms-

  1. Bones break easily
  2. Muscle weakness
  3. Discoloration of the sclera (white part of the eye)
  4. Soft teeth
  5. Discoloured teeth
  6. Hearing loss
  7. Loose joints
  8. Joint hypermobility
  9. Short stature
  10. Curved spine
  11. Barrel shape chest (when lungs are overfilled with air and cannot deflate usually)
  12. A triangle shape face (when the face shape is broader at the jawline and narrower at the forehead)
  13. Breathing problems
  14. Dentinogenesis imperfecta (Problem with teeth)

DIAGNOSIS

The following investigations are done to check Osteogenesis imperfecta:-

  1. Check the symptoms of the patient
  2. Collagen biopsy to determine the structure and quantity of collagen
  3. X-ray- To show deformed bones and fractures
  4. DEXA (Dual-energy X-Ray absorptiometry) Scan – To find out the softening of bones
  5. DNA sequencing
  6. Urine test
  7. Blood test

TREATMENT

  1. Prevent deformities of bones
  2. Prevent fractures
  3. Care of fractures
  4. Orthopedics treatment
  5. Bisphosphonate medicines
  6. Rodding to prevent deformities of long bones
  7. Assistive devices such as a wheelchair may be needed as the baby grows

AYURVEDA ASPECT FOR OSTEOGENESIS IMPERFECTA  

In Ayurveda, Acharya mentioned in च.सू.१७।६७ अस्थिक्षय (decrease in bone tissue) and मज्जाक्षय (decrease in bone marrow). As the dosha is in an imbalanced state there is vridhi and kshaya of dosha. Due to an imbalance in vata dosha, there is asthi kshaya. As acharya charak explained different types of kshaya in our body, which one is asthi kshaya. Vata vyadhi is mainly occurring due to 2 reasons धातुक्षयजन्य (decrease in the amount of dhatu), and  स्त्रोतोअवरोधजन्य (obstruction in channels).

अस्थिक्षय in च.सू.१७।६७-

“केश लोम नख व्दिज पृपतनं श्रम ज्ञेयमस्थिक्षय रूपं सन्धिशैथिल्यमेव च ”

  1. Falling of hair, nails, hairs of beard
  2. Weakness
  3. Looseness of joints

मज्जाधातुक्षय in च.सू.१७।६८

“शीयन्ते इव चास्थीनि दुर्बलानि लघूनि च पृततं वातरोगाश्च क्षीणे मज्जानि देहिनाम”

  1. Degeneration in bones
  2. Weakness and lightness in bones
  3. Decrease in vata dosha

HERBAL REMEDIES BY PLANET AYURVEDA FOR OSTEOGENESIS IMPERFECTA

Planet Ayurveda is GMP-certified. The products are made under the guidance of m.d. Ayurveda experts. The products are made up of natural herbs that are 100% pure and easy to use without any side effects, and free from any type of adulterants, chemicals, yeast, fillers, or preservatives. The Planet Ayurveda offers herbal remedies for osteogenesis imperfecta are-

Product list-

  1. Lakshadi Guggul
  2. Bone support
  3. Cissus power capsules
  4. Boswellia curcumin
  5. Gandhak rasayan
  6. Arjun ghrit

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION FOR OSTEOGENESIS IMPERFECTA

1. Lakshadi Guggul

The Lakshadi Guggul tablets are made up of natural herbs as they contain Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna), Asthisamharaka (Cissus quadrangularis), Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), and many more herbs. Laksha is a good source of calcium so it is given for a fast healing process, joint pain, low bone density, and bone fracture. As Arjuna has bone regeneration properties it helps in improving bone formation, maintaining bone density, strengthening the bones, and also improving the healing of bone fractures. Ashwagandha helps in bone calcification so it increases the bone cell’s production, and reduces inflammation for better healing of bones.

Dosage– 2 tablets twice daily with lukewarm water

2. Bone support

The bone support capsules contain Suhanjana Beej (Moringa oleifera), Shudh Laksha (Laccifer lacca), Arjun (Terminalia Arjuna), and many more herbs. Arjun helps in maintaining bone density which helps in improving bone formation and provides strength to bones. Mukta provides strength to bones, muscles, and joints and also has anti-inflammatory properties which help in the absorption of calcium which improves bone density and strengthens the bones and connective tissue helping in preventing breakage of bones. It also improves the collagen amount which protects the bones from damage.

Dosage– 1 capsule twice daily with plain water, after meals

3. Cissus power capsules

The cissus powder capsules are made up of the stem extraction of Cissus quadrangularis (Hadjod). Hadjod is rich in vitamin C, increases cells, and helps in the absorption of calcium which helps in the formation and mineralization of bones. It also increases bone density and bone strength. Reduces pain and inflammation helpful in reducing joint pain. It prevents the loss of bone tissue. It promotes cell growth and regeneration.

Dosage– 1 capsule twice daily, with plain water, after meals

4. Boswellia curcumin

The Boswellia curcumin capsules are made up of Curcuma longa (Curcumin), and Boswellia serrata (Shallaki). Shallaki is a natural herb to treat bone disease as it contains anti-inflammatory properties It reduces pain, and swelling of the joints, and prevents excessive tear and wear of joints. It is also a natural analgesic so helps to reduce pain in joints. Curcumin helps in the build and repair of the bone. It also inhibits osteoclastic bone resorption.

Dosage– 1 capsule twice daily, after meals with plain water

5. Gandhak rasayan

The gandhak rasayan tablets are made up of a single standardised extraction of Shuddha Gandhak (Sulphur). It is used to treat weak bones and fractured bones. Sulphur helps to make collagen and glucosamine which are helpful in healthy joints and bones. It produces immunoglobulin which makes the immune system healthy. It has anti-inflammatory properties so protects the cartilage from damage as a result less pain in joints and improves movements of joints. It contains hydrogen sulphide that helps in bone formation.

Dosage– 2 tablets twice daily

6. Arjun Ghrit

The arjuna ghrit is a classical formulation that contains Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Bahera (Terminalia bellirica), Haridra (Curcuma longa), Nagarmotha (Cyperus rotundus), Nimbu (Citrus limon), ghee and more herbs. As Arjuna has a bone regeneration process it helps to make healthy bones and joints. It regulates calcium and phosphorus metabolism in the body so helps with the bone formation process. It improves bone density, provides strength to bones, and heals bone fractures. It prevents joint movements and reduces the chance of degeneration of bones.

Dosage– half teaspoon twice with warm milk or water.

Contact my assistant to provide you the costing / ordering and delivery information at – costing.planetayurveda@gmail.com or call at +91-172-5214040

CONCLUSION

As we studied in this article the introduction, causes, symptoms, and herbal remedies by Planet Ayurveda. In Ayurveda, Acharya mentioned in च.सू.१७ the

अस्थिक्षय and मज्जाक्षय means a decrease in bone tissue and bone marrow. As vata dosha predominates in this condition as vata dosha and asthi kshaya oppose one another as one increases another one decreases. Vata vyadhi mainly occurs due to a decrease in the amount of dhatu and obstruction in channels. Planet Ayurveda provides herbal remedies to cure osteogenesis imperfecta which are 100% pure and without any side effects. The remedies are Lakshadi Guggul, Bone support, Cissus power capsules, Boswellia curcumin, Gandhak rasayan, and Arjun Ghrit.